Houstonian Writes to Support African AIDS Orphans

Native Houstonian Dana Burns Smith shared her testimony in How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope, and Courage, edited by Trevy A. McDonald and Bettye J. Allen. Proceeds from this collection of over 50 testimonies will support AIDS Orphans in Southern Africa. Smith will sign copies of the book on Saturday June 14 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Cush City, 13559 Bammel N. Houston Road, Houston (281) 444-4265.

Reyomi Enterprises, Inc.
P.O. Box 43255
Chicago, IL 60643-0255
1-877-473-9664 (4-REYOMI)
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www.howwegotover.org

Houstonian Writes to Support African AIDS Orphans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: MAY 26, 2003
CONTACT: REYOMI PUBLISHING
PHONE: 1-773-238-8224

CHICAGO, IL--Native Houstonian Dana Burns Smith shared her testimony in How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope, and Courage, edited by Trevy A. McDonald and Bettye J. Allen. Proceeds from this collection of over 50 testimonies will support AIDS Orphans in Southern Africa. Smith will sign copies of the book on Saturday June 14 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Cush City, 13559 Bammel N. Houston Road, Houston (281) 444-4265.

How We Got Over is a dynamic and spirit-filled collection of stories of survival and how one can overcome adversity through steadfast determination. The foreword, written by Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor of the Fourth Episcopal District (A.M.E. Church) and Chicago area resident, chronicles Dr. Cousin's journey as an AIDS activist since 1985. Cousin is the wife of Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. The afterword is by Sarah Nkele Matlhare, a South African Missionary who works in the trenches with those affected by and infected with HIV in Botswana. In Smith's "Mother's Day Mayday," is a story of survival, not only for her, but also for her twin daughters. After being rushed to the hospital while in pain, Smith woke up six days later and learned she had delivered her twins six weeks early. Other contributors shared stories such as surviving being submerged in a vehicle in the aftermath of a hurricane, and how broken family relationships were mended in the midst of a tragedy. Readers will be inspired, uplifted, and empowered through these testimonies.

How We Got Over has already received critical acclaim.

"How We Got Over...is an inspirational masterpiece. The book is full of testimonies that will stir the soul and lift the spirit. It's a wonderful book for anyone who believes in a higher power and the power of faith. Bravo!"

Yolanda Joe, author of The Hatwearer's Lesson and Hit Time
   
"...a highly moving, perceptive, and transforming source of inspiration for many hearts on the edge of unbelief, hopelessness, and discouragement."

Dr. Wendell C. Beane, Professor Emeritus, History of Religions and author of The Truth Within You

"How We Got Over...reminds us that hope arises in the heart through credible testimony and encourages us to cease pinning our desires on things that are in the world, focusing instead on placing our trust in God. This is a must read."

Jacquelin Thomas, author of Singsation, The Prodigal Husband, and A Change is Gonna Come
   
McDonald is the author of Time Will Tell, co-editor of Nature of a Sistuh and Building Diverse Communities and contributor to Sisterfriend Soul Journeys, Women of Color Devotional Bible, Women of Color Devotional Book, and the forthcoming anthology, Proverbs for the People (June 2003, Kensington).

Allen is the editor of the Missionary Magazine.
                  
To read excerpts from How We Got Over visit the website: www.howwegotover.org. A complete tour schedule is available on the website's "On the Road" page.

To schedule interview opportunities or request review copies please call (773) 238-8224.

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